What Is The Best Barbecue Grill For You?

When buying a barbecue, there are several importantfor salt air conditions. Must be FULLY
things to consider and questions to ask.(not SPOT) welded, and be sure that the complete
A reputable BBQ specialist will give you the biggestbody is stainless steel and not just the front.
range and allow you to mix and match trolleys,7. WHAT SIZE WILL SUIT ME BEST?
BBQ's, roast hoods, side burners and additionalThe size of the BBQ is determined by the amount of
extras, offering a BBQ tailored to your individualburners: two; three; four or six. The larger the BBQ,
requirements.the greater the flexibility in cooking surface.
These days a BBQ is considered an extension of8. TROLLEYS
your kitchen, and should ideally be located near theThere are four types of BBQ trolley to choose from:
main cooking area – you'll probably be surprisedMETAL TROLLEYS:     There is a big variance in
how much use it will get. Remember that the price ofquality. Look for solid construction with a durable
the BBQ will determine quality, performance andfinish. Their main advantage is their low maintenance.
longevity.TIMBER TROLLEYS:     There is a BIG difference
in the quality of the timber trolleys available. Jarrah is
1. WHAT IS THE BEST BBQ COOKING SURFACE?the premium timber. A good quality trolley should
Cast Iron is used in most BBQ's, with a range inhave big wheels and wide timber legs with extra
quality available. Premium cast iron surfaces can bebolts for side shelf support.
coated in a non-rust ceramic finish that prevents rustThese are good looking and complement timber
and is easier to clean.patios. Check the construction and make sure there
2. GRILLS, HOT PLATES OR BAKING DISHES?is plenty of bracing; give the trolley a good shake, if
The Grill is designed for cooking steaks, kebabs andit seems to wobble FORGET IT!
other meats. It cooks food directly over the BBQSTAINLESS STEEL TROLLEYS:     These are
rock or flame tamer, allowing juices to fall onto theextremely durable and look fantastic. They are ideal
rock which then smokes and flares up giving yourfor a salt-air environment, as they will never rust.
food a distinct barbecue flavour.Another plus is their low maintenance.
Food cooked in this way is low in fat content and isCABINET TROLLEYS:     The area underneath the
thehealthiest option. The Hot Plate is ideal for cookingBBQ is completely enclosed, providing a useful
foods that would fall through the grill, such as eggs,storage area for all your BBQ accessories. Features
tomatoes and mushrooms. The baking dish is forof the cabinet trolley include swinging doors and a
cooking marinated foods.     side burner. These are good looking trolleys that
3. PORTABLE OR BUILT IN?complement any patio.
The portable model is by far the most popular as itEnsure that the trolley you buy has 4 wheels
offers greater flexibility. However built in modelscan–not two - to allow easy movement.
look great on paved areas and complement your
entertaining area.9. SHOULD I HAVE A SIDE BURNER?
4. SHOULD I USE NATURAL GAS OR BOTTLEDSide burners are an optional, stove-like cooking area
GAS?attached to the side of your BBQ. They areuseful for
Natural Gas is the best option as it provides anboiling water, making gravies and allow you to cook
inexhaustible, economical gas supply. The new, flexiblewok style foods such as a stir-fry. An inexpensive
natural gas hose allows the BBQ greater flexibility ofand worthwhile addition to any BBQ.
movement. Natural Gas BBQ's are only available from
specialist retailers.10. WHY SHOULD I HAVE A ROAST HOOD?
Alternatively, there is bottled gas. This is easy to fitThey open up a whole new world of outdoor
but requiresregular refilling. The preferred cylindercooking, and can be added at a later date - just
sizes are the 4.5kg and the 9kg. The 9kg is the mostmakesure that the BBQ you are looking at will accept
economically viable in the long run as it requires lessa Roast Hood.
refilling.     Check the quality of the hinge system, handle and
5. WHAT IS THE BEST IGNITION SYSTEM?temperature gauge, and that the finish is Vitreous
There are several types of ignition systems: the pushEnamel or Stainless Steel
button and rotary piezo ignition systems as well as(avoid painted Roast Hoods as these are low quality)
the new battery powered rapid-fire ignition system.11. ROCK OR FLAME TAMER?
The latter is the best; with a simple touch of aSome BBQ's come with a Flame Tamer that can be
button, the burner will light instantly. If you areeither metal or cast iron. The alternative is BBQ rock;
apprehensive about lighting BBQ's, you willappreciatethe preferred type being ceramic manufactured rock.
this feature.     Both are extremely good and this decision is really
6. WHAT IS THE BEST FINISH FOR ME?personal choice.     
This depends on where your BBQ is to be situated.12. DRAINING SYSTEMS
BAKED ENAMEL: Does not resist heat or UV raysThere are two types of draining systems. The
very well, and so is only suitable for areas that aresimpler BBQ's have a slide out drain tray, but the
well covered.better BBQ's have a double drain system that is
VITREOUS ENAMEL: A hard finish that is easy tomore effective and easier to clean. They reduce the
clean and heat resistant. It is absolutely ideal for alikelihood of a fat fire as fat is collected and stored in
BBQ built within brickwork or outside in the elements.a container away from the heat.     
STAINLESS STEEL: The most durable finish, perfect13.